The Disher Co-op Experience
Casandra
Experience Information
Employer: Disher Design & Development
Job Title: Engineering Coop
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Disher Design & Development is a full-service product development firm specializing in innovation and problem solving. The work environment promotes collaboration, innovative thinking, and intelligent solutions. There is a model shop where we create rapid prototypes to quickly test ideas. The company mission at Disher is to "Make a Positive Difference". The people of Disher are committed to making a positive difference in the workplace and outside of the workplace. We donate to local and global ministries frequently and sometimes we get our hands dirty with things like Habitat for Humanity builds.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
This co-op term, I worked offsite as a Product Launch Coordinator for a Tier 1 automotive supplier. I was in charge of line layout, inventory, training new employees, getting our orders built on time, and shipping and receiving. I also worked at a high tech manufacturing facility as a Quality Technician for the pilot line. There, I was in charge of collecting data so that we could show the capability of our machines and processes.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained managerial skills through running the Tundra line. I gained confidence in the skills I have developed through my education at Grand Valley. Also, I have discovered that I am very interested in manufacturing engineering, specifically process improvement.
Favorite Part of the Experience
I think my favorite part was having the responsibility that I had when I ran the production pilot line. I enjoyed training people and the pressure of having orders that needed to ship everyday was a good motivation for finding more efficient ways of building the door panels.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience helped me realize what I would like to focus on in my future career. I enjoy lean manufacturing and process improvement. I am working on my Green Belt Six Sigma certification in lean manufacturing and design for six sigma. This is not required for my degree. It is just something that I am interested in that will hopefully help me find the job that I want after I graduate.